The robber turned to the firelight, and unfolded the document, which quivered in his hand as he read it. One tear and then another fell upon the paper; slowly he bent his knees, and turned his glistening eyes to heaven. "My Lord and my God!" he exclaimed, his utterance choked by sobs, "for sixteen years I have been hunted like a wild beast, but Thou vouchsafest to me to be once more a man!"
He turned to his companions. "To horse!" he cried; "let the troop assemble."
They sprang to their horses, and soon upon all sides the signal-whistle was heard. In ten minutes, a hundred and eighty men, well mounted and armed, mustered round the fire.
"Friends and comrades," cried Sandor, "that which we have so long desired has come to pass. We are no longer robbers—our country pardons us. It is granted us to atone our crimes by an honourable death. Is there one amongst you who does not repent his past life, and rejoice to be allowed to end it in honour?"
"Not one!" was the unanimous shout.
"Will you follow me to the battle?"
"Everywhere! To death!"
"Swear it."
The vow was brief. "We joyfully swear to shed our blood for our fatherland!"
"Add," said George to Rosa, "and to give no quarter!"